The expiration of the 2100-megahertz licence on Dec 6, 2027 is an urgent issue for the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) board to consider, yet it remains stuck in a deadlock over the chairman’s qualifications.
According to a telecom specialist at the NBTC who requested anonymity, delaying the new bandwidth allocation could affect the capacity and efficiency of telecom networks amid surging demand for mobile data and digital services during the artificial intelligence-driven boom.
The source said the best timeline to reallocate 90MHz of the bandwidth for upload and download is the first quarter of 2027.
Both of the two major telecom operators — Advanced Info Service (AIS) and True Corporation — may need an additional 100MHz of bandwidth for their mobile service, noted the specialist.
If the board’s spat continues, it is likely to result in insufficient spectrum, which will affect the industry, said the source.
The NBTC board has repeatedly failed since July to hold a meeting after a majority of the seven commissioners boycotted the participation of chairman Dr Sarana Boonbaichaiyapruck following an NBTC selection committee ruling that he lacked the qualifications to hold the office.
Six commissioners have held their own meetings without the chairman’s involvement in an effort to clear some routine agenda items. However, some analysts doubt the validity of the meetings because they exclude the chairman.
In 2012, the NBTC’s auction of the 2100MHz band awarded an equal 45MHz of bandwidth to each of AIS, True and Total Access Communication (dtac), with each licence carrying a 15-year term.
The NBTC source said every major step in spectrum allocation requires a board decision.
If the regulator can conduct the new auction by March 2027 at the latest, it could ensure continuity of current spectrum use while telecom operators await the granting of the new bandwidth, noted the source.
A longer delay to the allocation process could create significant complications, the source said.
The allocation process involves setting the auction rules, a public hearing, and the auction. Any substantial delay in these stages could result in a gap in spectrum availability.
“In a worst-case scenario, if the processes are delayed until the third quarter of 2027, Thailand could face a shortage of available spectrum,” the source said.
“The issue is not simply about conducting an auction to generate revenue for the state coffers. It is closely linked to Thailand’s ability to support the next phase of digital growth.”
AIS operates service through a combined 1460MHz of bandwidth on multiple bands, while True, following its merger with dtac, operates service through a combined 1350MHz of bandwidth on multiple bands.
Commissioner Somphop Purivigraipong previously told the Bangkok Post the regulator set a timeline to auction 90MHz of the 2100MHz band and a portion of the 3500MHz band by the third quarter of 2027.
The 3500MHz band holds the most potential for global adoption of 5G private networks.
For the 3500MHz band, up to 700MHz of bandwidth could be allocated. An initial plan calls for the NBTC to allocate 100MHz of the bandwidth by the end of 2027.
However, many satellite TV stations now use the band to broadcast programmes, and 60% of Thais view digital TV programmes via a satellite platform.
The digital TV broadcasting licences expire in 2029, but the NBTC board has yet to finalise a clear digital TV broadcasting roadmap to handle the licence expiration.